President Duda: 20 years of Poland in the EU is a great success for all of us

President Andrzej Duda delivered a special address to the Polish people on Tuesday evening, thus marking the 20 years of Poland's membership in the European Union.

"Twenty years ago we have joined the European Union. The 1^st of May, 2004, was a very good day for Poland. Several generations had dreamt of returning to the political community of the Western world, united Europe - and it has become true for all of us," the president said. "The 20 years of our EU membership is a huge success for all of us."

"Thousands of investments, excellent use of European funds, expansion of Polish companies in Europe. Just look how Poland has changed during this time.

"We have used this period remarkably," Duda underscored.

The head of state added that major stategic investments like the CPK (Central Communication Port) are crucial to keep Poland on track to join the wealthiest countries of Europe.

According to the president, Poland and the European Union are facing many challenges in terms of security and economy, adding that the bloc's future depends on how it responds to said issues.

"Being in the EU allows us affect its shape, establish its key directions. Our voice matters. That's why every day we must strive for Poland's affairs in the European Union," he said.

"Europe needs Poland, and Poland needs Europe," Duda quoted the words of Pope John Paul II, adding they still ring true today.

"Therefore, we must actively participate in shaping the community, in accordance with the values we have professed for over a thousand years, since have we joined the family of Christian nations in Europe."

The president continued by saying that "today we are witnessing a great dispute on the future shape of the European Union".

"Our presence in the European Union is in Poland’s national interest, but we support a Europe of free nations, a Europe of homelands," Duda said.

He also stressed the importance of the election to the European Parliament scheduled for June 9.

"The direction the EU will take and how Polish affairs in the EU will be pursued will depend on which representatives we choose," he said.

Andrzej Duda stressed that "our membership in the European Union is part of our vast, great history". "Poland's history, which is a history of freedom," he added.

"Today, Poland is secure. It is developing rapidly and has very good prospects. But our history teaches us that nothing is given once and for all," the president stressed.

"That's why it's necessary to keep on striving for the prosperity and safe future of our homeland. This is our great commitment."

Poland has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004 under the Accession Treaty signed in Athens on 16 April 2003.

As a member state, Poland has the power to influence EU decisions. The European Union is an economic and political union between 27 EU countries that together cover much of the continent.